Aerodynamics and Fibre Transfer at the Cylinder–Doffer Interface

Abstract High-speed photography and image processing were used to study the aerodynamics in the cylinder–doffer transfer region. Smoke tracers were utilised to delineate aerodynamic patterns under the cylinder–doffer set point and the images were analysed as an indication of the pressure and velocity changes of the air flow in the region. High-speed photographic observations of fibre motion in the region were also studied in order to determine the effects of the air flow on fibre transfer. The results showed that due to local air pressure differences, air turbulence is generated under the cylinder–doffer set point, which may affect fibre configuration during the transfer. From the results an explanation is proposed for the occurrence of turbulent flow under the cylinder–doffer set point, and ideas previously reported by other researchers about the fibre transfer mechanism are further developed.